An automotive best in show

An automotive best in show

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A row of ordinary-looking tools lies underneath the back of a Lamborghini Miura SV Bertone Coupe, on show at the Concours d'Elegance automobile show at California’s Pebble Beach.

Do not let the simplicity of the equipment fool you about the sophistication of the vehicles showcased at this annual event, whose attendees include wealthy car lovers, industry leaders and celebrities.

. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A 1914 American Underslung 642 Roadster drives off the stage after taking second place in the Class A Antique division of the Concours d'Elegance.

The Concours tops off a week-long celebration of automobiles and car culture on the Monterey Peninsula, which not only showed off sleek, high-class vehicles, but also included the more light-hearted event, the "Concours d’LeMons", devoted to displaying oddball cars.

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Slideshow

A Porsche 356 1600 Super Coupe is displayed during the Concours d'LeMons, held in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Automotive Week to show off some of the car world's more quirky-looking creations.
. SEASIDE, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A Porsche 356 1600 Super Coupe is displayed during the Concours d'LeMons, held in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Automotive Week to show off some of the car world's more quirky-looking creations.

A Kelley Blue Book "Official Guide for Early Model Cars" lies alongside an empty mug in the front seat of a 1958 Edsel Citation during the Concours d'LeMons.
. SEASIDE, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A Kelley Blue Book "Official Guide for Early Model Cars" lies alongside an empty mug in the front seat of a 1958 Edsel Citation during the Concours d'LeMons.

Judge Jim Hull inspects a 1939 Bentley Vanden Plas Tourer, owned by Peter Livanos of Switzerland, at the Concours d'Elegance.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

Judge Jim Hull inspects a 1939 Bentley Vanden Plas Tourer, owned by Peter Livanos of Switzerland, at the Concours d'Elegance.

A bird named Claude grooms itself while sitting on a 1967 Ferrrari 275 GTB/4 Scaglietti Berlinetta during the prestigious car competition.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A bird named Claude grooms itself while sitting on a 1967 Ferrrari 275 GTB/4 Scaglietti Berlinetta during the prestigious car competition.

Steven Tillack and Karen Sundstrom kiss after they won their division with a 1960 Alfa Romeo Superflow IV Pinin Farina Coupe.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

Steven Tillack and Karen Sundstrom kiss after they won their division with a 1960 Alfa Romeo Superflow IV Pinin Farina Coupe.

The front of an Icona "Vulcano" supercar peeks out from under its covering on the Concept Lawn at the Concours d'Elegance.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

The front of an Icona "Vulcano" supercar peeks out from under its covering on the Concept Lawn at the Concours d'Elegance.

A man taps a 1964 Peel Trident with his toe during the light-hearted Concours d'LeMons.
. SEASIDE, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A man taps a 1964 Peel Trident with his toe during the light-hearted Concours d'LeMons.

A 1932 Alpha Romeo Tipo B P3 Biposto is displayed during the Concours d'Elegance.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A 1932 Alpha Romeo Tipo B P3 Biposto is displayed during the Concours d'Elegance.

Diane Comacho plays with her dog Roscoe next to a 1929 Lincoln L LeBaron Aero Phaeton during the Concours d'Elegance.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

Diane Comacho plays with her dog Roscoe next to a 1929 Lincoln L LeBaron Aero Phaeton during the Concours d'Elegance.

A 1975 Lincoln Towne Coupe customised with a horse and rider attracts looks at the Concours d'Lemons.
. SEASIDE, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A 1975 Lincoln Towne Coupe customised with a horse and rider attracts looks at the Concours d'Lemons.

A gas mask sits on the driver's seat of a Voisin Biscooter at the quirky event.
. SEASIDE, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A gas mask sits on the driver's seat of a Voisin Biscooter at the quirky event.

A rusty Cadillac Eldorado stands on show.
. SEASIDE, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A rusty Cadillac Eldorado stands on show.

Kevin Wood stands next to his 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis at the Concours d'LeMons.
. SEASIDE, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

Kevin Wood stands next to his 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis at the Concours d'LeMons.

Brian Bossier sits on his bike as he receives second place for his 1938 Peugeot 515 motorcycle during the Concours d'Elegance.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

Brian Bossier sits on his bike as he receives second place for his 1938 Peugeot 515 motorcycle during the Concours d'Elegance.

A 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Touring Spider is displayed at the high-class event.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

A 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Touring Spider is displayed at the high-class event.

Judge Jim Hull inspects a 1939 Bentley Vanden Plas Tourer during the Concours d'Elegance.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

Judge Jim Hull inspects a 1939 Bentley Vanden Plas Tourer during the Concours d'Elegance.

Confetti streams down as Joseph Cassini and his daughter Caroline Cassini drive on stage to receive the Best of Show award for their 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria.
. PEBBLE BEACH, United States. REUTERS/Michael Fiala

Confetti streams down as Joseph Cassini and his daughter Caroline Cassini drive on stage to receive the Best of Show award for their 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria.

"I was going to be within inches of rare, concept and production cars worth millions of dollars."
Michael Fiala, Reuters Photographer

When I usually don cameras to shoot on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach it’s to cover arguably one of the best finishing holes in golf. I always remember: stay an arm’s length within the ropes, work as silently as possible and don’t distract the golfers.

Instead, on August 18 I weaved my way along this hallowed stretch of coastline and into the colourful automotive celebration that is the Concours d’Elegance. Founded in 1950, it is an annual charitable event showcasing rare automobiles, competing in their class and for Best of Show.

The Pebble Beach Concours, which concludes a week of car-related festivities – much of it business related – attracts some of the world’s wealthiest car enthusiasts, industry leaders, and celebrities.

The week consists of five auctions, eight concours and exhibitions, as well as three days of racing, concept car unveilings and manufacturer displays, all culminating on Sunday on the shores of the foggy Pacific.

I had a top priority knowing that I was going to be within inches of rare, concept and production cars worth millions of dollars: do not accidentally bump into any of them. I very deliberately minded my gear, many times taking off bags and extra cameras before leaning over to shoot these ultra expensive machines. I’m happy to report I didn’t leave a single scuff or scratch.

I attended four of the week’s events: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering; the Concours d’LeMons; Gooding and Company’s auction preview; and finally Sunday’s Pebble Beach Concours.

I photographed cars including a Voisin Biscooter, a 1926 Bugatti race car and Lamborghini’s $4 million Veneno supercar. Finally, I took pictures of the Concours’ Best of Show winner, an immaculate 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria, owned by Joseph Cassini of New Jersey.

Mr Cassini was such a gracious and photogenic winner, along with his daughter Caroline and wife Margie, all dressed impeccably in period clothing.

So if you want to experience this impressive automotive gala for yourself, restore that vintage car you may have sitting in your garage or simply start planning to attend in 2014. You won’t be disappointed.